The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) have ratified a six-year contract.
This ratification marks the final stage in a lengthy process that began in May 2022, but did not result in a tentative deal until June 2023, putting shippers in uncertainty amid threats of strike action and accelerating cargo diversions to east and US Gulf coast ports.
According to Reuters, the ILWU voted 75 per cent to approve the West Coast port worker agreement, which will expire on 1 July 2028.
Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass, said: “The ILWU membership’s approval of the tentative agreement is a major win for the people of Los Angeles.
“This agreement will make sure the Port of LA continues to operate and provide good paying jobs. The positive impacts of the approved contract will be felt across the region, the West Coast and our nation.
“Thank you to all the parties who worked together to achieve a contract agreement that puts people first while safeguarding our economy. The Port of LA will continue to be a leader in our economy, on innovative climate sustainability efforts and an important job creator in the region.”
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Los Angeles City Councilmember, Tim McOsker, stated: “Union strength comes from dedication, numbers, and strong leadership; I’m so glad that the members of ILWU voted to ratify their contract today.
“This contract respects the hard-work and skill of our dockworkers, and their importance to our San Pedro Bay complex. A ratified, coastwide agreement is good for our workers, the Port of Los Angeles, and our country’s economy.”
Los Angeles Harbor Commission President, Lucille Roybal-Allard, said: “I salute the ILWU and PMA for reaching final agreement on this contract. Our longshore workers did heroic work throughout the pandemic and are critical to the success of our port.
“Now it’s time for all stakeholders to come together as we work to grow jobs and cargo while creating a cleaner and more sustainable port.”
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Port of Los Angeles Executive Director, Gene Seroka, stated: “Thank you to the 22,000 International Longshore and Warehouse Union members who overwhelmingly ratified a six-year contract. With the leadership of ILWU President Willie Adams and PMA President & CEO Jim McKenna, the collective bargaining system worked.
“This contract brings long-term stability and confidence to our customers as we re-double our efforts to bring more cargo back to the Port of Los Angeles, the premier gateway to and from the Pacific Rim.”
